Europe and Biblical Prophecy

Has Europe already been conquered by Islam?

Nathan Jones

www.lamblion.com

"All is not well in the old world. There is a tremendous danger looming, and it is very difficult to be optimistic. We might be in the final stages of the Islamization of Europe. This not only is a clear and present danger to the future of Europe itself, it is a threat to America and the sheer survival of the West. The danger I see looming is the scenario of America as the last man standing. The United States is the last bastion of Western civilization, facing an Islamic Europe. In a generation or two, the US will ask itself: who lost Europe?"

The quote is from Geert Wilders, a Dutch lawmaker from the Netherlands, which he made in a speech at the Hudson Institute in New York on September 25, 2008. Wilders' speech addressed the situation on the ground in Europe, the nature of Islam and a video he produced called Fitna.

Mr. Wilders' speech and video, while not specifically about Bible prophecy, brings to light many prophetic end-time events that students of Bible prophecy can easily recognize.

The Controversial Fitna

The 17-minute video Wilders made addresses the same warning as his speech—the rapid Islamization of Europe. The video uses only quotes from the Koran and Muslim teachers, news stories and scenes from Islamic events as proof that Europe is quickly becoming Eurasia.

Like a modern-day Paul Revere, Mr. Wilders has been allowed in Israel and the United States to call out his warnings of the impending Islamic takeover. But, in his own European Union, Wilders' cry goes ignored by its leaders and raged at by liberal and Islamic groups. He's even been denied entry into Great Britain, following the lead of Indonesia.

Mr. Wilders' own Dutch government first attempted to prosecute him under Dutch anti-hate speech laws in June 2008, but failed. Again on January 21, 2009, his own court system ordered prosecutors to try him for hate speech, which if convicted, will land Wilders 16 months in jail and a fine of around $12,800. Court costs alone could eliminate his People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, which is most likely the intended tactic of silencing Wilders and eliminating his party's influence.

Wilders' Prophetic Warning—to Europe

If there's any proof that the Netherlands and the European Union in general have already been taken over by Islam, the silencing of a warning by one of their own parliamentarians and the condemnation by European Union leaders are proof that the will to survive has truly been lost in much of Europe.

Fitna merely uses the Koran, news stories and Islam's own practices to make people aware of what Islam's intentions and rule would be like. And yet, European leaders have chosen to appease Islam and attempt to silence Mr. Wilders' warning. Since appeasement always leads to subjugation by a totalitarian ideology, shouldn't Europe soon be conquered by Islam?

I don't think one particular European will remain compliant about Islamic takeover for very long. The Antichrist makes his scene like a peaceful, appeasing "dove" (Rev. 6:2), but once in control of this native of "the people who destroy the Temple" (Dan. 9:26)—the Romans—conquers with a warrior's spirit (Rev. 6:4). Clearly he will have taken Fitna's warning to heart.

What will this leader who believers in Christ call the "Antichrist" use to remove the threat of the Islamic takeover of Europe? Opportunity.

The Book of Daniel foretells the last Gentile world empire will be a confederation of nations (Dan. 2:41-43) that will arise out of the old Roman Empire (Dan. 7:7-8). And out of that confederation, the Antichrist will arise, using the revived Roman Empire as his base to conquer the world (Dan. 7:8, 23-25).

Half of the Roman Empire has quickly been reborn in the form of the European Union. The other half needed to complete the revival of the Roman Empire lies throughout a variety of Muslim nations from North Africa east around the Mediterranean Sea. Europe has been in negotiations with these countries in an attempt to create an economic union called the Mediterranean Union.

The battles of Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38 & 39 makes the scenario of a Mediterranean Union highly unlikely, though. With the Islamic nations crushed by Israel and God, the leader from the European Union wouldn't need a Mediterranean Union. Islamic morale will have been shattered and religious dissolution over the existence of Allah will have set in. The European ruler would only have to make a treaty with the only nation left in the Middle East—Israel—which he does in Daniel 9:27, and just walk right into the already defeated Islamic nations and subjugate them. Once the revived Roman Empire is consolidated, the Antichrist will bring world war upon the rest of the world, eliminating any vestiges of rivaling totalitarianism like Islam and forcing the nations of the world into subjugation to his empire (Dan. 8:24; Rev. 6:2-8). He'll have to contend with the other absolute ideologies like Judaism and Tribulation believers of Christ, which he does (Rev. 6:9-11; 7:9-14). But overall, the world will be his to force to obey a new religion unknown to his fathers—the worship of himself (Dan. 11:38; 2 Thes. 2:4).

The Antichrist's final Gentile empire will be short-lived, though, for it will be utterly defeated by the return of the Messiah who will "set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:44).

Islam Culture

The Truth About Islam: Culture

By Dr. David R. Reagan

www.worldviewtimes.com

Islam is a cultural religion that deifies 7th Century Arabian culture.

Westerners tend to view religion as something intensely personal and private, and not as a cultural phenomenon. For example, Christianity is "supra-cultural" in that it allows people to live, dress and eat in accordance with the culture in which they exist. This is not so with Islam. In Islam there is no "secular realm" that is free of religion. Islam regulates every aspect of life to the point that religion, politics, and culture are inseparable. Islam is thus fueled by a subtle form of racism in which 7th Century Arab culture is to be imposed upon all other cultures.

Here are some examples of the cultural nature of Islam:

Political Structure - The tribalism of 7th Century Arabia is the political structure sanctioned by the Koran. The chief has absolute authority. There is no concept of civil rights. This principle is reflected today in the reality that all Islamic countries are ruled by dictators, and civil liberties, like freedom of speech and religion, do not exist.

Prayer - A Muslim is required to pray five times a day toward Mecca. This is a symbol of the underlying cultural imperialism that lies at the heart of Islam. Think of it - what if all Russian Orthodox throughout the world were required to pray toward Moscow? Or, if all Roman Catholics were required to face Rome when they prayed? What if Evangelical Christians were required to pray toward Jerusalem? Such requirements would imply a cultural attachment to the focal point of prayer.

Pilgrimage - A Muslim is required, despite the hardship and cost, to make a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia once in his lifetime. Again, what if all Christians were required to go to Rome once in their lifetimes?

Dietary Laws - The only foods allowable are those that were acceptable in 7th Century Arabia.

Women - What an illiterate, nomadic tribeswoman wore in the desert in 7th Century Arabia is what is mandated for Muslim women today. The plight of women in Islamic countries today is despicable. They can be kept prisoners in their homes. They cannot appear in public without a covering. They are usually denied the right to vote. They are often denied anything more than a rudimentary education. In strict Islamic countries, women are generally treated as sub-human.2 Sura 4:34 says, "Men are the managers of the affairs of women... Those women who are rebellious - admonish them, banish them to their couches, and beat them."

Punishment - Cruel and unusual punishment is practiced throughout the Islamic world. Incarceration without due process is common. Punishments often include torture, the cutting off of body parts (hands, ears and tongues), the gouging out of eyes, beheading, and public flogging - all representative of 7th Century Arabian culture. The Koran specifically commands that those who disobey Allah are to be tortured (Sura 8:12-14).

Time magazine recently presented a chilling summary of the cultural nature of Islam as it is evidenced in the "moderate" Islamic nation of Saudi Arabia:3 "Despite the modernization that took place after the discovery of oil reserves in 1938, Saudi Arabia remains a land where rigid religious and traditional values are strictly enforced. Cinemas and discos are outlawed; men and women are separated in banks, schools, and fast-food restaurants; women must wear veils and are forbidden to drive. Public decency police known as muttawa comb shopping malls searching for women whose loose scarves reveal a curl of hair and forcing store owners to shut during prayer times. Unforgiving Saudi justice is on view after the main prayer every Friday, when a swordsman beheads blindfolded murderers, sorcerers, drug smugglers, and other criminals in Riyadh's 'Chop-chop Square.'"

Notes

There is an outstanding discussion of the cultural nature of Islam in the book by Robert Morey entitled, The Islamic Invasion (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1992). See in particular pages 19-32.

Abdullah Al Araby, "Incredible Teachings of Muhammed," on the Internet at http://www.islamreview.com/. This is the website of a ministry called The Pen vs. The Sword. It contains many excellent articles about the true nature of Islam.

Scott Macleod, "Inside Saudi Arabia," Time, October 15, 2001, p. 62.

Babylon

Future of Babylon project commenced - Written by Chris Perver - www.prophecynews.co.uk

The World Monuments Fund has launched an ambitious plan to rebuild the ruins of Babylon in the hope that the ancient capital will become a prime destination for tourists. Officials hope that the project, entitled The Future of Babylon, could one day become as popular a tourist attraction as the Pyramids in Egypt or Petra in Jordan. Prior to the invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the dictator had been rebuilding the ruins of the ancient city, with the goal of restoring the former glory of the Persian empire. Saddam Hussein saw himself as the descendant of King Nebuchadnezzar, who constructed the magnificent hanging gardens, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Nebuchadnezzar had is name stamped on every seventh brick, while Saddam Hussein had his name imprinted on every third brick, hoping to outdo the extravagance of the historic monarch. Following his removal from power in the Iraq war, the United Nations began pouring millions of dollars into the restoration of the city. The United States have also been spending a massive amount of money on the reconstruction of Iraq, securing over 100 acres of real estate to build one of the largest embassies in the world. The new US embassy in Iraq will cover an area six times larger than that of the United Nations headquarters in New York. It will employ 5000 staff and will be totally self-contained, with its own water, electricity and sewage facilities. It seems that even if international forces withdraw from Iraq, the Gulf state will remain at the forefront of American foreign policy for the foreseeable future.

Quote: ""The Future of Babylon" project launched last month seeks to "map the current conditions of Babylon and develop a master plan for its conservation, study and tourism," the WMF says. "We don't know how long it will take to reopen to tourists," said Mariam Omran Musa, head of a government inspection team based at the site. "It depends on funds. I hope that Babylon can be reborn in a better image."

When you look at the history of the region, it easy to understand how tourism could play a significant role in the rebuilding of Iraq. The region is mentioned more times in the Scriptures than virtually any other country, under names such as Assyria, Babylon and Mesopotamia. The garden of Eden is thought by some to have been located in Iraq, if the names of the rivers described in the book of Genesis are anything to go by. The tower of Babel was built in Iraq. Abraham came from Ur of the Chaldees, which was in Iraq. Jonah was sent by God to preach in Nineveh, which was once a major city in Iraq. Daniel was taken captive to Babylon, the capital city of the ancient kingdom. And Babylon is one of the first major empires mentioned in Bible prophecy. In the Scriptures Babylon could be thought of as being symbolic of man's best efforts to achieve greatness without God. King Nebuchadnezzar once proclaimed, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?", Daniel 4:30. In testament to God's judgment on the pride of man, King Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind and was removed as ruler of Babylon for a period of seven years, until he understood that it is God that rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to Whomsoever He will (Daniel 4:25). Nebuchadnezzar then repented of his sin and was restored to his kingdom. I believe he is in heaven today. There is another 'great Babylon' mentioned in the Scriptures. The book of Revelation mentions a city by the name of Babylon. There are differing opinions as to the identity of this city. Some believe it could be symbolic of a major commercial centre such as New York. Some say it could refer to a capital of the religious world such as the Vatican. Others say there is no reason why it could not refer to a future time when the actual city of Babylon will be rebuilt and will become both the commercial and religious centers of the world. Which interpretation you choose doesn't really matter. For whatever form 'Babylon the great' takes in this world today, the outcome will be the same. It is going to come crashing down. Just like in King Nebuchadnezzar's day, seven years of judgement are going to come upon this world. The question is, what are you going to do? Will you respond like Nebuchadnezzar did, and break off your sins by righteousness through trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation (Daniel 4:27)? Or will you respond like Belshazzar did, and continue on in your sins and perish in the overthrow of the city (Daniel 5:30)? Only you can make that choice. Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Revelation 18:9-10

And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Millenium Temple

The Coming Temple

Most people believe a new Jewish Temple would require destruction of the Dome of the Rock. What does the Bible say?

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

According to Prophecies in Daniel 9:27, Matt 24:15 and 2 Thes 2:4, a Temple will exist in Israel at the beginning of the Great Tribulation. This is confirmed by Revelation 11:1 which describes John measuring a Temple during the Tribulation. Its location is the “Holy City.” Chapter 11 also introduces the 2 witnesses who preach in the “Great City” and are ultimately killed there, their bodies left lying in the street. The Great City is identified as the place where the Lord was crucified: Jerusalem. But is Jerusalem also the Holy City?

According to Zechariah 14:6-9 on the day of the Lord’s return an earthquake will split the Mt. of Olives in two along an East-West line that creates a great valley through the center of Jerusalem. Immediately a river will fill the valley creating a waterway from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea. If the Lord returns to the same area of the Mt. of Olives from which He left, as suggested by Acts 1:11, the earthquake creating this East-West valley will destroy the current Temple mount and anything that may be standing upon it.

Ezekiel 47:1-12 describes a great river flowing from under the south side of the Temple and then eastward to the Dead Sea during a period of time that most scholars believe has not occurred yet. Revelation 22:1-2 confirms this. If as it appears, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Revelation all describe the same river, then an interesting scenario begins to emerge.

This scenario requires a Temple to be present on the day the Lord returns, but since the current Temple mount will have been destroyed by the earthquake mentioned above, this Temple must be somewhere else. Since the river originates under the Temple and flows from its south side before heading East and West, the Temple must be north of the newly created river valley.

Where Are The 12 Tribes?

Plotting the land grants for the 12 tribes given in the 48th chapter of Ezekiel on a map of Israel places the precincts of the Holy City somewhat north of the current City of Jerusalem. This new location is the ancient City of Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for nearly 400 years after the Israelites first conquered the Land. This is the Holy City and its name is Jehovah Shammah according to the last verse in Ezekiel. The Hebrew translates as “the LORD is here.”

If accurate, this location would meet all the requirements for the Temple mentioned in the above references. The current Temple Mount in Jerusalem would not.

According to Ezekiel 44:6-9, this Temple will have been defiled in a way never seen in history, therefore at a time yet future to us. A foreigner un-circumsized in heart (neither Christian) and flesh (nor Jewish) will have been given charge of the sanctuary while offering sacrifices. If we understand the chronology of Ezekiel, this event will have taken place after both the 1948 re-gathering prophesied in 36-37 and the national wake-up call prophesied in 38-39 but before the Millennial Kingdom begins. The only event we know of that fits that chronology is the Great Tribulation. This is confirmed by Paul’s prophecy of 2 Thes. 2:4 where the anti christ sets himself up in the Temple proclaiming himself to be god.

Here then is a rough outline of events. Following Israel’s return to God after the battle of Ezekiel 38-39, the Jewish people will re-establish their covenant (old not new) with Him. This will require a return to Levitical practices and so a Temple will be built. This is the Temple spoken of by Daniel and Revelation. Following instructions given by Ezekiel and needing to avoid the enormous problems a Jerusalem Temple would create in the Moslem world, this Temple will be located north of Jerusalem in Shiloh. It will be defiled in the middle of the last 7 years as outlined in Daniel 9:24-27, Ezekiel 44:6-9, Matt 24:15 and 2 Thes 2:4 kicking off the Great Tribulation, but will be cleansed by living water that begins flowing on the day the Lord returns (Zech 14:8). This temple will be used during the Millennium to memorialize the Lord’s work at the cross and provide the perspective for children born during the Kingdom Age to choose salvation just as you and I have had the perspective of the Lord’s Supper in making our choice. Remember, He said, “Do this in memory of Me until I come.” Acts 15:14-16 confirms that after the Lord has chosen a people from among the gentiles for Himself (the church) He will return and re-build David’s fallen Tabernacle (the Temple). This is the Millennial Temple so vividly described in Ezekiel 40-48.

The New Jerusalem

The Ezekiel passage also solves the Jerusalem / New Jerusalem problem. For as long as I’ve been studying these things, there has been debate over the issue of the New Jerusalem. Some wonder how the Lord could permit redeemed believers and non- believing natural humans to co-exist in the Millennium. (The rotten apple spoiling the barrel theory) Others wonder how a city with a foot print 1400 miles square and tall could be located in Israel when the whole country won’t be that big.

Carefully examining Rev 21 and 22, we notice that John never actually says the city arrives on earth. We are only told he sees it coming down out of heaven, prepared as a bride. (Not that the city IS the bride, but that as with a bride on her wedding day, no effort has been spared to make it look its absolute best.)

I don’t believe the city ever rests on the Earth’s surface, but rather orbits in the proximity of Earth, like a satellite or perhaps another moon.

Also comparing the descriptions of New Jerusalem with Jehovah Shammah we see some similarities but enough differences to refute the notion that John and Ezekiel described the same place. Compare the following:

New Jerusalem (All verses from Rev.)	Jehovah Shammah (All verses from Ezekiel)
12 gates named after Israel (21:12)	12 gates named after Israel (48:30)
12 foundations named after Apostles (21:14)	Foundation not described
1400 miles square and tall (21:16)	One mile square (48:30)
Coming Down from heaven (21:2)	Located in Israel on Earth (40:2)
No Temple … God and the Lamb are its Temple (21:22)	Temple just north of the city (40:2)
No sin; nothing impure will ever enter (21:27)	Daily sin offerings in the Temple (45:13-15,17)
No more death (21:4)	Still death (44:25 also Isa 65:20)
No natural beings … only the perfected (21:27)	Natural Beings (46:16)

With the differentiation of these two Holy Cities, the apparent conflict between Jewish and Christian eschatology is resolved. Israel was promised that one day GOD would come to Earth to dwell among them forever, while the Church is promised that Jesus will come to take us to heaven to live with Him there. Both promises come true.

Since Ezekiel specifically quoted the Lord’s promise to dwell among the Israelites forever (43:7) and then described the new Holy City, while Jesus promised to return for the Church to take us to be with Him (John 14:1-3), they must have been talking about two different destinations. They were. Heaven is the New Jerusalem where we will dwell with the Lord forever, while the Holy City on Earth is Jehovah Shammah where God will dwell in the midst of His people Israel forever.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Rebuilding Babylon

U.S. To Help Rebuild City Of Babylon In Iraq

By Joel C. Rosenberg

www.worldviewtimes.com


Largely overlooked by the Western news media over the past few weeks was an enormously significant story. The government of Iraq is moving forward with plans to protect the archaeological remains of the ancient City of Babylon, in preparation for building a modern city of Babylon. The project, originally started by the late Saddam Hussein, is aimed eventually at attracting scores of "cultural tourists" from all over the world to see the glories of Mesopotamia's most famous city. What's more, the Obama Administration is contributing $700,000 towards "The Future of Babylon Project," through the State Department's budget.

"Officials hope Babylon can be revived and made ready for a rich future of tourism, with help from experts at the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and the U.S. embassy," reports the Reuters news agency. "'The Future of Babylon' project launched last month seeks to 'map the current conditions of Babylon and develop a master plan for its conservation, study and tourism,' the WMF says. 'We don't know how long it will take to reopen to tourists,' said Mariam Omran Musa, head of a government inspection team based at the site. 'It depends on funds. I hope that Babylon can be reborn in a better image.'"

In my non-fiction book, Epicenter 2.0, I wrote about the Bible prophecies in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation that indicate the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq will, in fact, be rebuilt in the "last days" of history and become the wealthiest and most powerful city on the face of the planet. I also cited my interview with Iraqi Finance Minister Ali Abdul Ameer Allawi who told me in 2006 at the peak of the insurgency,

"Cultural, religious, archaeological, and biblical tourism is a big opportunity for Iraq. I think rebuilding Babylon is a wonderful idea, as long as it is not done at the expense of the antiquities themselves."

For many, I know the rebuilding of Babylon seemed like a far-fetched idea in the Bible. For many more, it seemed like a far-fetched idea in 2006, as well. But skeptics and cynics take note: now that the insurgency is dying down, the Shia-led government of Iraq is actually moving forward with this historic and prophetic project. They say Babylon will be "reborn." And they're right. It will be. Stay tuned.

End Times in Isaiah

The End Times According To Isaiah, Part 5

This week’s Feature Article by Jack Kelley

http://gracethrufaith.com/ikvot-hamashiach/the-end-times-according-to-isaiah-part-5

This installment of the End Times According to Isaiah takes us to Isaiah 17 and the never fulfilled prophecy of the destruction of Damascus.

What’s New?

In the past couple of years it has become even clearer that Isaiah’s prophecy of the destruction of Damascus may soon come to fulfillment. If so, it would explain why Syria is not included among the coalition of Moslem nations who will gather against Israel in the Battle of Ezekiel 38.

Emboldened by the outcome of the 2006 Hezbollah Israel war, Syria has become ever more bellicose in it’s behavior toward Israel. Aggressive acts have included moving large military forces onto the Golan, opening the crossing that gives Syrians access to Israel for the first time since 1973, forming and training a Syrian terrorist force to infiltrate Northern Israel, and demanding that the Golan be returned at once or else this force would begin committing terrorist acts inside Israel.

It’s been known for some time that Syria has one of the world’s most advanced chemical weapons programs, even though such things are illegal, and probably inherited the bulk of Saddam Hussein’s WMDs that the MSM (main stream media) delights in telling you never existed. They’ve mobilized reserves, set up alternate communication centers, and moved all official historical and legal documents out of Damascus. They did this because they believe that Israel will respond to a chemical attack by destroying Damascus with nuclear weaponry. They’ve recalled all their citizens living in Lebanon. They’ve purchased Russian arms and defensive systems costing hundreds of millions of dollars in an effort to protect Damascus.

Going Nuclear

In July 2007, a chemical warhead exploded at a Syrian missile facility while being fitted to a Scud missile, killing dozens of Iranian and Syrian technicians. The only likely target within range of the missile is Tel Aviv. Then, just 2 months later, the Israeli bombing of a secret Syrian facility deep inside the country made headlines and demonstrated Israel’s ability to render the Russian state-of-the-art anti-air defenses ineffective. These systems were sold to both Syria and Iran to protect against US or Israeli attacks by air. The presence of nuclear materials at the Syrian base has been confirmed, so it might have been the location of at least a dirty bomb assembly plant and perhaps even a clandestine nuclear weapons facility. The North Koreans were heavily involved in this, and are suspected of still helping Syria to develop some kind of nuclear weapons capability.

Most recently, Israel’s Gaza incursion has opened a rift between Israel and Turkey, causing Turkey to suspend its role as the mediator in Syria-Israel peace talks, breaking one of the few lines of communication between the two countries.

While some of this is more than the MSM has been willing to share with you, it is a matter of public record. My guess is that there’s a lot more going on that we don’t know about, making matters even more urgent. So let’s take another look at Isaiah 17, An Oracle Against Damascus, while it’s still prophecy.

An Oracle Concerning Damascus:

“See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down, with no one to make them afraid. (Isaiah 17:1-2)

Because of the language of these verses, many scholars believe that this prophecy was only partially fulfilled when the Assyrians defeated the Arameans and overran their capital, Damascus, in 732 BC. To this day Damascus is thought to be the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city with a 5000-year history and a population close to 2 million, yet Isaiah 17:1 indicates that it will one day cease to exist.

Some believe the phrase “cities of Aroer” refers to Aramean territory east of the Jordan River around the Arnon River, which flows into the Dead Sea in southern Jordan. However, the Jewish Encyclopedia claims that this phrase in Isaiah 17:2 is probably translated incorrectly because the geographical distance from Damascus is too great. While they say it’s possible that there may have been another Aroer near Damascus, it is more likely that the passage should be rendered “the cities thereof shall be forsaken.” If that’s the correct translation, it would include the Hezbollah stronghold in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, which was part of Aramean territory in Isaiah’s time, and is in a direct line between Beirut and Damascus.

The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and royal power from Damascus; the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites,” declares the LORD Almighty. “In that day the glory of Jacob will fade; the fat of his body will waste away. It will be as when a reaper gathers the standing grain and harvests the grain with his arm- as when a man gleans heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim. (Isaiah 17:3-5)

This segment speaks of the defeat of Damascus in 732BC and the destruction of Samaria 10 years later (722 BC). Damascus continued to exist as part of the Assyrian Empire and is still here today, but the ruins of Samaria are just now being excavated out of the sandy soil of Israel. The systematic relocation of the ruling classes to the far reaches of the Assyrian Empire is also in view. This was standard Assyrian policy to reduce the likelihood of subsequent rebellion among their conquered peoples. Jacob and Ephraim are alternate names for the Northern Kingdom, and Samaria was its capital.

Yet some gleanings will remain, as when an olive tree is beaten, leaving two or three olives on the topmost branches, four or five on the fruitful boughs,” declares the LORD, the God of Israel. (Isaiah 17:6)

Not all the people were dispersed. Farmers were left behind to tend the crops and protect the harvest. They were joined by refugees from other parts of Assyria and their descendants were known as the Samaritans in the time of Jesus. (A quick reading of 2 Chronicles 11:16 shows that all the faithful from the 10 northern tribes moved south at the time of the civil war that divided the nation after King Solomon’s death 150 years earlier. From then on, all 12 tribes were represented in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, so the 10 tribes from the North weren’t totally lost. The Lord has always preserved a believing remnant from all the Tribes of Israel.)

In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made. In that day their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation. (Isaiah 17:7-9)

This is another passage that’s problematic for those who try to consign the whole prophecy to history. There is simply no reason to believe that the Assyrians turned to God following their conquest of Aram and Israel. And far from abandoning their cities because of the Israelites, it was the Israelites who were defeated and dispersed. The yet future Jewish attack on Damascus causing the destruction and abandonment of Syrian cities, and the eventual return of the survivors to their God is a much more likely fulfillment. And it could happen soon.

You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud, yet the harvest will be as nothing in the day of disease and incurable pain. (Isaiah 17:10-11)

Asshur, father of the Assyrians, and Aram, father of the Arameans were both sons of Shem. Aram’s son Uz is the traditional founder of Damascus. (The setting for the Book of Job is the Land of Uz.) The knowledge of God in the memories of these patriarchs cannot be questioned. It wasn’t that they never knew Him, but that they had forgotten Him, abandoned Him in favor of the Canaanite gods of the region, Baal and his consort Ashtoreth (aka Asherah, Astarte, Ishtar, Aphrodite, Venus.) Currently Syria is almost totally Moslem. Until they return to their Maker and Savior none of their plans and schemes will prosper in the long run, no matter how promising they seem at the beginning.

Oh, the raging of many nations- they rage like the raging sea! Oh, the uproar of the peoples- they roar like the roaring of great waters! Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when he rebukes them they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale. In the evening, sudden terror! Before the morning, they are gone! This is the portion of those who loot us, the lot of those who plunder us. (Isaiah 17:12-14)

Having conquered most of the Middle East including the Arameans and the Northern Kingdom, the Assyrians set their sights on the Southern Kingdom, Judah. Assyria’s King Sennacherib brought his armies almost literally to the gates of Jerusalem, so close his commanders were within speaking distance of the Jewish defenders. On the night before they were to attack, the Lord sent His angel into the Assyrian camp on Mt. Scopus to slaughter 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Before dawn they had packed up and fled, ending 44 years of conquest. (Isaiah 37:36-38) This time in Israel’s history so parallels the Jewish view of the End Times that Sennacherib is seen by them as a type of the anti-christ, while Judah’s King Hezekiah models the Messiah.

But notice that Isaiah speaks of many nations raging against God’s people, not just Assyria, leading us once again to consider Sennacherib’s defeat as a partial fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.

Today many nations are stirred up against Israel. The various Mid-East “peace” conferences have left Israel standing alone against all but irresistible pressure to negotiate away its very existence. Syria and Iran are dead certain that Israel will attack soon, and are preparing accordingly. Israel’s other next-door neighbors are also preparing for war, and indeed many nations are taking sides.

Israel is not blind to these mounting threats, but until lately the current government seems to have been ignoring them. That’s about to stop. Israeli Prime Minister candidate Benyamin Netanyahu, who’s almost certain to be elected, has warned Hamas that if the rocket attacks continue after he takes office he will wipe out their leadership in both Gaza and Syria, even if it results in a confrontation with the Syrians. We can easily envision a scenario that includes the final fulfillment of Isaiah 17, the destruction of Damascus. Sudden terror in the evening, and before morning they and the surrounding cities are gone.

The phrase “rushing of many waters” is often used to describe a loud voice. Such a thing would certainly cause an incredible uproar among the nations, and many loud voices. If you listen carefully, you can almost hear the footsteps of the Messiah.

Damascus

The Prophetic End of Damascus

By Nathan Jones

Damascus, the capital city of Syria, is one of the oldest cities in existence. The 1.67 million people who inhabit Syria's largest city today are sitting on a wealth of history claiming as far back as Noah's son Shem. Inhabitants like Abraham and the Apostle Paul at one time were residents. Though ruled over time by a plethora of tribes and empires, the city's history perseveres in an unbroken chain to this day. And yet, the Bible says that Damascus will finally come to a quick, devastating and permanent end.

Isaiah 17:1-14 contains an oracle against Damascus. In no uncertain terms verse 1 says "See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins."

Who will cause the desolation to the city? It will be Israel. Verse 9 states, "In that day their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation."

The Bible even tells how quickly and during what time of the day this will occur. Verse 14a states, "In the evening, sudden terror! Before the morning, they are gone!"

The prophet Jeremiah reiterates this prophecy in Jeremiah 49:23-27. Verses 26 and 27 state, "'Surely, her young men will fall in the streets; all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,' declares the LORD Almighty. 'I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.'"

What Israeli man-made weapon could cause a city to be totally annihilated in less than one day? In this modern day and age the answer is well known - a nuclear warhead.

Why would Israel have to use a weapon of last resort on the city of Damascus? The answer is survival. When the United States used the atomic bomb on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it was to force an end to the bloody conflict of World War II. Israel will see it has no military alternative but to use such a weapon for the same purpose – to prevent its own annihilation.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert reiterated this point when he declared in August 2008 that Israel "would not hold back" in the face of renewed attacks on northern Israel by Syrian-supplied Hizbullah weapons designed to target civilians. "There will no longer be a situation of distant fighting, where major cities continue with life as usual. The war will reach the cities and homes of Israeli citizens and our enemy's objective will be to target the homefront," he elaborated. At that point, "we will be forced to bring an end to hostilities quickly, at the smallest possible cost, using our comparative advantage" which is "massive capabilities and tools during the Second Lebanon War that it refrained from using, because it was fighting a terror organization, not a state" ("Olmert: No holding back against Hizbullah" by Roni Sofer, YNetNews, Aug. 19, 2008, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3584938,00.html).

Even the most appeasement-policy-supporting Israeli leaders know that when their citizens are attacked in their very own cities, Israel will be forced to use "massive capabilities" to end the conflict quickly. The Bible foretells that scenario will indeed take place, and Damascas' long history will finally end.

Billy's Focus

Billy Graham Association Makes 'End Times' a Focus in 2009 - http://christianpost.com/Ministries/Groups/2009/02/billy-graham-association-makes-end-times-a-focus-in-2009-05/index.html

This year, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will focus on the return of Jesus Christ and help prepare believers for life in the last days, according to a recent announcement.

This year, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will focus on the return of Jesus Christ and help prepare believers for life in the last days, according to a recent announcement.

"People ask me, 'Do you really believe that Jesus Christ is going to come back to this earth again?'" writes the Rev. Billy Graham in one of the several resources that the ministry is providing on the End Times.

"Yes, I do,” he continues. “The Bible teaches that Jesus is coming again. And I don’t see any other hope, because we’re heading toward a catastrophe in our world."

As part of its effort, the ministry has compiled a number of End Times resources including a message delivered by Graham in 1998, a 2008 message from BGEA president and CEO Franklin Graham, an article adapted from a message delivered by Anne Graham Lotz in 1996, an End Times article on the basics of the Second Coming, and a couple of Q&As with Billy Graham that includes a question on whether the world will end in 2009.

“The most important question, however, is this: Are you ready for Christ's return?” Graham writes after offering his response.

The BGEA is hoping that through its compilation of resources on the Second Coming of Christ, believers will learn how they can fulfill God's plan for their life, increase their love for the Savior and grow their faith during these times — as if it were their last days.

“If that happens today, are you ready?” Graham poses.

The world renowned evangelist also reminds believers that regardless of when Christ returns, the end of the world does come for each and every single person – the moment that they die.

“[A]nd that could be at any time for any of us. We never know,” Graham states.

“What have you done to prepare for that moment when your heart stops beating?”

The latest effort by the BGEA comes just a few months after Graham celebrated his 90th birthday and ahead of the 100th birthday celebration of George Beverly Shea, who for decades was the musical mainstay at Graham's evangelistic crusades. It also comes one year before the ministry marks its 60th anniversary.

The Last Generation

The Last Generation

By Jim Simmons

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; even so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”

- Matthew 24: 32-34

According to my interpretation of this passage, this is a reference to Israel becoming a nation. This became a realization on May 14, 1948. The fig tree is a symbol for Israel. The Bible refers to the fig tree some 33 times – 18 times in the Old Testament alone. In context, the fig tree is always a symbol for Israel. Just as the general time of summer has arrived, so is the restoration of Israel to her land is a sure sign that the general time of Christ’s return has arrived. This is a reference to His second coming, not the rapture that occurs at least 7 years earlier.

Not everyone agrees with this interpretation for the last generation. My recent book is titled, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. This can be found at http://www.focalpointpublications.com/.

The purpose of my book is to present the evidence that backs my thesis that the generation that was born in 1948 or later will be alive when Christ returns the second time, if they are not taken at the rapture. For those who do not believe that the birth of Israel was the start of the last generation, the evidence presented will still support, using other sources, that we are in that last generation.

There is an abundance of evidence that we are living in that last generation apart from how one interprets Matthew 24: 32-34. We know that certain things have to be in place before the second coming. For example, we know there will be a final one-world empire. We will look at the development of this one world empire through the lens of Bible prophecy, its relation to current events, and some of the predictions of scientists, academics, and other leading authorities, who are not Christian and, in some cases, are atheists. The starting point will be the birth of Israel in 1948. This coming One World Empire will consist of three pillars. These Three Pillars include:

1. One World Government [and a dictator that rules over all three pillars]
2. One World Economy
3. One World Religion

ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT AND DICTATOR (Daniel 2: 40-43; 7: 19-21; Revelation 13: 1-7)

There will be a one-world government ruled by a dictator, sometimes referred by names such as: the son of perdition, the man of sin, the lawless one, and is most commonly referred to as “Antichrist.” This one-world government will originate from the ancient Roman Empire. According to Daniel 2, the fourth and last empire was the Roman Empire. It was never taken over by another empire, but it literally broke into pieces, and a patchwork of individual kingdoms emerged. The revived Roman Empire will consist of a recombining of these pieces. The revived Roman Empire began developing in 1948, the same year that Israel was reborn.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE

A few of the developments of the revived Roman Empire since 1948 include the following events:

1. Congress of Europe (1948): Following WWII, the Congress of Europe met in 1948. They adapted seven resolutions on political union. The relevance of this is seen in Resolution # 7, which reads, “The creation of a United Europe must be regarded as an essential step towards the creation of a united world.” A one-world government was in the planning stages since 1948.

2. The Brussels Treaty (1948): This treaty added France and Britain to the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) established by the Benelux Treaty (1948). The real significance to this treaty is found in the amended, or modified version in 1954. This will be discussed under “The Establishment of the Western European Union (WEU) (1954).”

3. Official European Symbols: link biblical imagery and mythology. Consider the following symbols and their significance:

The official European symbol: is a picture of Europa riding on a bull (Zeus). This symbol is taken from pagan mythology. This symbol also can be seen in the Bible. The symbol of a beast and a woman riding on it is described in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 and 17. The beast represents the one-world government and the antichrist. The woman represents the one-world religion.

The European Flag: consists of 12 stars in a circle. This does not represent 12 member states of the European Union (E.U.). There are more than 12 member states. According to Leon Marshall, a formal Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the stars represent those of the “Woman of the Apocalypse”. This is a reference to Revelation 12 where the woman, according to Roman Catholicism, represents the Virgin Mary.

The European Union Poster: shows a partially built Tower of Babel with a crane in the background rebuilding the Tower. It has 12 eurostars above it. We all know that the first attempted one-world government was the attempt to build the Tower of Babel under Nimrod, a prototype of the antichrist and the one-world government.

4. Establishment of the Western European Union (W.E.U.) (1954): This was the result of an amended 1948 Brussels Treaty. Article 5 modified the original Brussels Treaty (1948). This modified Brussels Treaty allowed for the establishment of the W.E.U. and made them responsible for the collective defense of the E.U. The W.E.U. became Europe’s only Security and Defense Assembly. The WEU is a growing military power and a major player on the world stage. It is the enforcement arm of the EU.

OTHER WORLDWIDE DEVELOPMENTS

1. Establishment of NATO (1949): This was signed on April 4, 1949. The initial provision was to protect Western European Allies and the U.S. against an attack by the U.S.S.R. Many NATO countries now called “member states” are also members of the EU and the WEU. It is of interest to note that all 3 have their headquarters in Brussels.

2. Club of Rome (1957): is a German based think tank established in 1957. It has a limit of 100 countries. One major country not included is Israel. Purpose: figure out ways to solve humanities problems. Many years ago the Club of Rome advocated a “one world order,” dividing the world into 10 economic centers and called them “Mega Territories” and Kingdoms.” [Remember the 10 toes in Daniel 2: 41-43, the 10 horns and 10 kings in Daniel 7: 24 and Revelation 17: 12?]

Since 1974, we have almost completed 5 of the 10 designations or regions, called “Unions” on the world map proposed by the Club of Rome. They are:

The European Union (1993)
The African Union (2002)
The Mediterranean Union (July 2008)
The Union of South America Nations (UNASUR) [or possibly the South American Union] signed the constitutive agreement on May 27, 2008. These will soon be followed by the...
North American Union [Canada, U.S., and Mexico]

This one world government has been in the development stage in this last generation.

[Read more about the role the U.S. plays in prophecy in a book authored by Jerome Corsi, titled, The Late Great USA: NAFTA, the North American Union, and the Threat of a Coming Merger with Mexico and Canada.]

ONE WORLD ECONOMY (Revelation 13: 15-17)

The second pillar is the one world economy. It is of interest to note some of the developments that have taken place since 1948. These developments are only a small sampling of the many developments that have occurred during this generation. They include the following:

1. Development of the Transistor (1948): was developed by Bell Labs and AT&T. This opened the door to the modern computer. Once computers became common place, the banking system and financial institutions were linked to one another.

2. Development of a Global Authority: One of the roots of the global economy was the establishment of the General Agreement on Trades and Tariffs (GATT) in 1948. GATT was eventually replaced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) founded in the 1990”s. The WTO serves as an oversight committee of the second pillar, the World Economy.

3. The creation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)(1948): This pattern of events that had its origin in 1948 eventually led to the creation of the euro. This has become the common currency of the European Union.

4. The Current World Financial Crises (Not just the U.S.): may be moving us one step closer to a One World Economy. Time will tell.

ONE GLOBAL RELIGION (Revelation 13: 15-18)

This coming one-world religion will be characterized by tolerance and diversity. The exception will be Christianity and Judaism. There will be no room for a “one way to God approach”. Even Christians today have trouble believing this. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” (John 14: 6 NASB). There is no place in a world religion for this kind of thinking. Followers of Jesus will be martyred (Revelation 17: 5-6). The following list of events is very limited as they were in the World Government and the World Economy, but they do give some idea of the direction the world has been moving since 1948. They include the following:

1. The World Council of Churches (WCC): was founded in 1948 in Amsterdam. One of the purposes was to develop a milder, gentler, all-inclusive religion. Tolerance and inclusion are the key words. The WCC and other similar organizations have diluted historic Christianity as described in the New Testament. The WCC takes an “all roads lead to Rome approach.”

2. The United Religious Initiative (URI): was founded in 1995. It is an organization that seeks to become the dominant voice of the United Nations. According to Bishop Swing, an Episcopalian from San Francisco who heads the URI, all religions are guilty of terrorism. His goal: “…To address the ‘problem’ of fundamentalism in our own groups…” The Gospel, preached or shared will become illegal in the “United Religious Zone.” The way is being paved for the martyrdom that will occur during the tribulation period (Revelation 6: 9-10; 17: 6).

3. Common Question Concerning a One-World Religion: “If the coming one-world false religion is characterized by tolerance and diversity (exceptions: Christians and Jews) how will the Muslims be integrated into this system?” Answer: There needs to be a strong common denominator between Muslims and the one-world religion. This common denominator may very well be Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Koran exalts Mary (not Jesus). The Roman Catholic Church exalts Mary. This along with the numerous alleged apparitions of Mary witnessed by both Muslims and Catholics creates a link between the two religions. Linking these two religions take in a sizeable portion of the human race.

WHAT DOES THE SECULAR WORLD (SCIENTISTS, ACADEMICS, RESPECTED AUTHORITIES) SAY CONCERNING THE END TIMES?

The following are some quotes by very credible and respected individuals:

1. Eugene Habiger, former Executive Chief of Strategic Weapons at the Pentagon, said the event of a nuclear mega-terrorism attack on nuclear soil is “…not a matter of if but when.”

2. Warren Buffett, calculates the odds against cataclysmic events for major insurance companies; he draws the conclusion that an imminent nuclear nightmare within the U.S. is “virtually a certainty.”

3. Paul Williams, a former consultant to the FBI on terrorism, indicates that empirical evidence does exist to substantiate if Al-Qaeda possesses nukes. He also reports that there isn’t just one team of terrorists but at least seven teams [he identifies the seven cities].

4. Dr. Graham Allison, Harvard professor and director of Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, said, “Is nuclear terrorism inevitable? Harvard professors are known for being subtle or ambiguous, but I’ll try to be clear. ‘Is the worst yet to come? My answer: Bet on it. Yes’”

There is also the Doomsday Clock with midnight representing "doomsday" or the destruction of our world. The Doomsday Clock represents the consensus of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. Many scientists also believe our world is rapidly approaching the end times. There are many other sources besides the Bible that point to this generation as the last generation. These sources include prophetic beliefs of Islam, the Mayan’s, scientists, and others. The common denominator is the belief that the end times are near. The various interpretations as to what that means is very different. This is where biblical prophecy is unique and provides a standard to understand the differing views.

Biblical prophecy is interesting. It is not meant to produce fear, but to offer hope to all who put their trust in Jesus Christ. It is not enough to have head knowledge concerning prophecy. Knowing what the future holds should offer motivation to believers to share the gospel with an unbelieving world. Biblical prophecy can serve as an excellent tool to reach the lost. People yearn to know what the future holds. This is easily seen by the wide use of horoscopes, psychics, channelers, and the reliance on grocery store tabloids. These tabloids claim to predict the future by turning to people such as Nostradamus. This is sad especially when the truth about the future is unfolded in the Bible.

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This article was extracted from the recently released book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times by Jim Simmons. All of the material that originated from other sources is footnoted in the book. Ordering information can be found at: http://www.focalpointpublications.com/.

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Website: www.bible-prophecy-today.blogspot.com

Economic Crisis

Economic crisis: What actually is Going on?

Andre Delage

http://ldolphin.org/ecrisis.html

Nouriel Roubini in an exclusive TNR interview[1], professor of economics at NYU's Stern School and chairman of Roubini Global Economics, argues that the worst is yet to come for the global economy. He foresees many more job losses in the U.S. and social upheaval abroad.

Beyond the explanations from all national news media, what actuality is going on? To find the answer, we may have to look from the Bible prophetic point of view. I came across an expository in Daniel by Ray C Stedman[2] written in 1969. He describe the fourth kingdom of the great dream image in the book of Daniel to be the last empire until the time when God sets up his own kingdom on earth; it is within the scope of this kingdom that he believe we still live. I am amazed by how relevant it is for the present time. The economic disorder seem to play an important part of bringing nations around the world to nationalize a good portion their banks by bailing them out in order to restore markets confident.

Sarkozy said the G8 meeting should produce "a new capitalism”[3]. He said the problem is international and therefore needs an international solution. Barroso said, "We need a new global financial order”[4]. Could we be witnessing the making of the 10 toes of the statue dreamed by king Nebuchadnezzar?

It seems to me that we are heading toward global governance.

What is global governance? According to James M. Boughton and Colin I. Bradford, Jr[5]

“The ideal of global governance is a process of cooperative leadership that brings together national governments, multilateral public agencies, and civil society to achieve commonly accepted goals. It provides strategic direction and then marshals collective energies to address global challenges. What is required is a transition to a global system of reformed institutions and new governance mechanisms that can harness diverse energies and resources in a cohesive way to respond effectively to urgent global challenges in the age of massive economic and social transformation that lies ahead”.

In his expository messages on the Book of Daniel, Ray C Stedman explains Daniel’s dream. He wrote:

“What is the symbolism of this? (The feet and toes partly of potter's clay and partly of iron) The clay is obviously the opposite of iron. Iron symbolized an imperialistic attitude or form of government, the power and might of imperialism seeking to dominate and to rule by brute force and strength. Clay, on the other hand, is weak, pliable, easily moulded. Most Bible scholars are right in identifying this as the principle of democracy. Perhaps that may cause us to bristle a bit. We do not like to see democracy attacked. We like to think that the reason the United States and Great Britain have become strong nations is because they are democracies; that it is the voice of the people that gives strength. But if you look at history, especially the history of the West, in the light of the revelation of Scripture and in an honest evaluation of democracy, you will discover that democracy is not really a very good form of government. The voice of the people is always a fickle voice. It is easily moulded, like clay. That is what politicians capitalize on. Every election year you can hear them shaping the clay, moulding the clay into the opinions they want them to have. Today we are subject to the tremendous pressures of mass media, which play, upon our minds to mould the will of the people. That is the weakness of democracy.”

Professor Alexander Fraser Tytler[6], nearly two centuries ago, while the thirteen original states were still colonies of Great Britain wrote:

“Democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover they can vote themselves largesse out of the public treasure. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefit from the public treasury, with the result that democracy always collapses over a loose fiscal policy, always to be followed by a dictatorship, and then a monarchy.”

Feet mix of iron and clay. All western and eastern nations (an extension of the Roman empire) combining their effort to save the world economy and the environment might bring the fulfilment of this prophetic dream. The cause for global warming is over rated. Could it be a guise for global governance? Now German scientists are predicting a 10 years colder temperature[7].

Dr. Roger Pelke Jr. pointed out in his April 30th Prometheus post after reviewing the Nature piece:

“If global cooling over the next few decades is consistent with model predictions, then so too is pretty much anything and everything under the sun. This means that from a practical standpoint climate models are of no practical use beyond providing some intellectual authority in the promotional battle over global climate policy.”

Now, it is hard to believe that so many environmentalists are so gullible in listening to Mr Al Gore who plays a good part for global governance.

Jennifer Rast, Contender Ministries[8] stated:

Since 1995, Mikhail Gorbachev and Maurice Strong have co-chaired a global process with the purpose of implementing the Earth Charter on a global scale and ushering in the one world religion. Under the cloak of an environmental crisis and impending doom, they hope to gain wide acceptance of the Earth Charter, which contains much more than a new environmental policy. How many times lately have you heard the terms "global community", "globalization", "world economy", "sustainable development" or "interdependent world"? These are all phrases that appear throughout the Earth Charter along with other New Age terms such as "circles of compassion", "triangles of meditation", "reverence for Earth and Cosmos", and "Mother Earth".

Eighteen month from now, it may well be a very different world, consisting of ten Kingdoms (ten toes).

Is Canada part of this objective? The Right Hon. Steven Harper said, “We need new infrastructure”, explaining that the world doesn't have the mechanisms needed to cope with the current financial crisis. [9]. What policies those the leaders of the oppositions have? Do they have a mandate to relinquish our economic sovereignty?

As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man.

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[1] Nouriel Roubini http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/12/14/tnrtv-roubini-predicts-deeper-recession.aspx

[2] Ray C Stedman Long-time pastor of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California, and author of Body Life and other books, http://www.raystedman.org/daniel/0362.html

[3] http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/10/15/eu-summit.html

[4] http://www.moneymorning.com/2008/10/24/bretton-woods/

[5] James Boughton is IMF Historian and Assistant Director of the Policy Development and Review Department. Colin Bradford, Jr., is Nonresident Senior Fellow for Global Economy and Development at the Brookings Institution.

[6] Professor Alexander Fraser Tytler, http://www.conservativeforum.org/authquot.asp?ID=723

[7] German scientists are predicting a 10 years colder temperature.

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/dec/11/warming-on-land-begins-in-the-sea/

[8] The Earth Charter’s Spiritual Agenda, http://www.contenderministries.org/articles/earthcharter.php

[9] http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=079abc91-ed93-41c2-bce4-0579af73ea32